Page 121 of One Good Crash

She looked at me likeIwas the crazy one. And then, she practically wailed, "Dominic's in the hospital!"

Oh. Right.Over the last few hours, I'd hardly given the guy a moment's thought. Worse, I didn't even feel guilty.

I barely knew him, and what Ididknow, I didn't like.

Still, for the sake of my mom, I said, "Yeah. I was really sorry to hear that."

"So," she said, "why didn't you come?"

"To where? The hospital?" I didn't get it.What was I supposed to do? Bring the guy flowers or something?

My mom was saying, "You were supposed to pick me up."

I was?"You mean from the hospital?"

She made a sound of frustration. "Forget the hospital."

Funny, I already had – well, until she showed up to remind me, that is.

I held up a hand. "Okay, back up.Wherewas I supposed to pick you up?"

"From my place." She gave another sniffle. "So I could stay with you."

"Youdoknow, I don't have a car—" And then, I froze as the rest of her statement caught up with me. "Wait, what? You wanna stay with me?"

"Well, I can't stay atmyplace."

I had no idea what she meant. Beyond confused, I glanced at her suitcase. It was very big. That wasn't a good sign. Still, hoping for the best, I said, "You mean just overnight?"

"No," she said. "I mean 'til I find a new place."

Obviously, I was missing something. "But what's wrong withyourplace?"

"I already told you, it's not safe." Her voice rose. "I was robbed, remember?"

Oh.Finally, I understood.

I almost laughed with relief. "You weren't robbed. I just came by to get my things. Youdidsee the note, right?"

She gave a hard sigh. "I don't meanthatrobbery. I mean what happened outside."

Stupidly, I said, "Outside where?"

"The penthouse. Didn't you get my message?"

"What message?"

"The one I left with your roommate. I talked to her and everything."

"You mean Allie?"As if I had another roommate.

"Yes, I mean Allie," she snapped. "What, she didn't tell you?"

I recalled Allie's cheerful little conversation with my mom. "How many times did you talk to her?"

"Just once."

And now, I understood.Damn it.I should've known.